Stability of Deep Underground Mine Drift through Complex Geology Conditions in Quang Ninh Coal Area

Abstract

The stability of deep underground mine drifts is pivotal to sustainable, safe mining in underground coal mines. The main objective of this research is to determine the stability and drifting safety issues in 500-m-deep deep underground mine drift through complex geology in the Quang Ninh coal area. The laboratory experimentation and field measurements were used to analyze the large deformations and failure characteristics of the surrounding rock, the influence factors of safe excavation and stability of deep underground mine drift, and to study the stability control countermeasures. This study also shows the main factors influencing the stability and drifting safety include complex geology zones, high in situ stress, poor mechanical properties and engineering performance of the argillaceous rock mass. According to the field study, the groutability of cement-matrix materials in the argillaceous rock in the complex geology zones were extremely poor, and deformations and failure of the surrounding rock were characterized by dramatic initial deformation, high long-term creep rate, obviously asymmetric deformations and failure, the rebound of roof displacements, overall loosened deformations of deep surrounding rock on a large scale, and high sensitivity to engineering disturbance and water immersion. Various geo-hazards occurred during the underground mine drift excavation, including roof collapse, groundwater inrush. Control techniques are proposed and should be adopted to ensure drifting safety and to control the stability of deep underground mine drift through complex geology zones, including choice of reasonable drift shape, reasonable support type, steel sets, regional strata reinforcement technique such as ground surface pre-grouting, primary enhanced control measures, grouting reinforcement technique, and secondary enclosed support measures for long-term stability, which are critical for ensuring the sustainable development of the underground coal mine.